SHE made her naughty name slapping Prince Charles on the royal derriere, now Ginger Spice Geri Halliwell has threatened to "smack the bottom'' of her new Australia's Got Talent cohort `King Kyle' Sandilands.

It's a cheeky start for the Brit babe who has been officially confirmed as Nine's "Plan (Mel) B'' and the show's final fourth judge, after their first option and Halliwell's pop sister was ruled out of the series reboot by court order last week.

The legal drama proved costly to Channel 9 who had indemnified Brown from any costs when inking their deal, and had to put its promotion of the new series in limbo until a new star judge could be found.

The hasty signing of Halliwell as Brown's replacement was apparently endorsed by the sidelined Spice girl who told A Current Affair she had sought the okay from Scary Spice before taking up the role.

"She actually said I just want you to know I think you should do it cause you're gonna have a great time and I love Australia,'' Halliwell said.

The 40-year-old singer she was a fan of the format and looked forward to spending time in Sydney for the star search series.

"I actually genuinely love the show, you know. I watch Britain's Got Talent and I'm a fan of the show. I think shows like that are brilliant and I love the opportunity they give to normal, everyday people.''

Spice GirlsSource:Getty Images

Asked what she knew about her controversial judging co-star Sandilands, Halliwell said: "I watched some of his tapes. I watched him being interviewed and I think he's quite a sensitive soul. I don't know, I'll get to know him and suss him out, or should I get him in a headlock?'' she asked Nine's Europe correspondent Peter Stefanovic, who encouraged the latter.

She responded: "yeah, I'll give him a smack on the bottom if he gets out of control.''

Halliwell is more familiar with fellow Brit and comic, Dawn French, describing her as "a lovely woman and incredibly talented.''

The sassy single also has her eyes peeled for hot Aussie men, but knows her favourite, actor Eric Bana, is off limits.

"I really think he is fantastic. I quite fancy him, but I think he's married isn't he? Okay, but I hope his wife doesn't mind me saying I think he's incredibly talented and a very attractive man.''